Spraying system



June 21, 1 3 J. A. BROOKS SPRAYING sYsTEE 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed June 4, 1931 l 'Patented June 21, 1932 PATENT OFFICE JOHN A. BROOKS, 013 DETROIT, IICHIGAIN sraavme svsrmr Application filed June 4. 1981. Serial No. 541,984.

This invention relates to spray systems, but particularly to such systems used for spraying lawns, shrubs and flower gardens, in which the piping and spray nozzles are normally concealed beneath the surface of the ground, the spray heads moving outwardly from their casings upon admission of the pressure fluid.

An object of this invention is to provide m a simple and eflicient spraying system in which the fluid is automatically drained in a new and improved manner from the system after the supply is shut oil.

Another object is to provide a new and 1mproved drain for a spray system which is automatically opened upon movement of the spray nozzle in one direction.

Another object is to produce a cover for a spray head so constructed as to insure its 29 being moved to one side of the nozzle upon admission of ressu're fluid.

A further 0 ject of the invention is to improve the nozzle assembly with the view' of increasing the effectiveness of the fluid distribution, and to render the parts to be more readily assembled.

With the foregoing objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, arrangement and operation of the mechanism hereinafter described, and, for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, an embodiment of the invention is shown onthe accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevation partly in section of a portion of a spraying system with the nozzle moved outwardly from its easing into posi tion of use; M

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the drain valve construction showing the valve in open position;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the outer end portion of the nozzle casing showing the nozzle in normal position with the cover substantially flush with the surface of the ground;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the.

parts shown in Fig. 1, showing the operation of the parts upon the admission of pressure fluid Fig. is a vertical sectional elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 1, but with the nozzle fully advanced into position of use with the cover swung to one side out of the way and Fig. 6 is an elevation of the core and baflle assembly for the spray nozzle.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a nozzle casin 10 having a flanged upper end 11, which is substantiaL 1y flush with the surface of the ground. In

screw threaded'engagement with the lower end of the casing 10 is a pipe 12 of less diameter than the casing, extending downwardly therefrom into the ground, and to the lower end of which is connected a branch inlet duct 13 communicating with the main fluid duct 14. Admission of fluid, such as water under pressure, through the main line 14, may be controlled by a suitable hand operated valve accessible above the ground.

Projecting laterally from the pipe 12, preferably in the region of the frostline, is a tubular extension 15, to which is connected a drain duct 16 leading to a sewer main 17 or to a suitable drain reservoir. Disposed in the drain duct 16 is a screen 16 to prevent sand, dirt, or other gritty material from backing up'through the drain duct into the pipe 12. Formed in the pipe 12 above the extension 15 is a valve seat 18, with which engages a bafile surface 19 formed on a tubular enlargement 20 of a nozzle-tube 21. On the opposite end of the tube 21 is a nozzle 22, which, in normal position, is disposed wholly within the casing 10, as shown in Fig. 3.

The nozzle 22 comprises ,a collar 23 in screw threaded engagement with the tube 21 and a nozzle head 24 screwed into the collar 23. The head 24 is provided with a fluid passage 25, which terminates in an enlarged chamber 26 adjacent the outer end of the head 24. For imparting a whirlingmotion to the fluid passing from the head 24, a member 27 having a helical groove is pressed into the passage 25 with the upper end terminating slightly below the chamber 26. For deflecting the spray in the desired manner an annular head 28 having on its under side an upwardly and outwardly inclined baflie surface, is disposed slightly beyond the outer end of the nozzle 24, and integral with the head 28 is a shank 29, which is in screw threaded engagement with the member 27. The shank 29, whichis almost entirely disposed within the chamber 26, assists in obtaining the desired whirling action or turbulence within the chamber 26 for obtaining the most effective spray.

The outer end of the nozzlecasing 10 is normally closed by a cap 30 having a pair of integral depending legs, which are pivotally mounted on trunnions 32 projecting from opposite sides of the head 24. Upon admission of pressure fluid the nozzle parts move upwardly, as indicated in Fig. 1, and the valve 19 abuts against the seat 18 for limiting the upward movement of the nozzle and militating against the passage of fluid around the outside of the stem 21. To cause the cap 30 to move abruptly to one side of the nozzle head 24, an integral apron or flange 33 depends from the underside of the cap on one side thereof and extending substantially halfway around the cap. lVhen pressure fluid is admitted to the nozzle a portion thereof impinges the apron 33 and abruptly swings the cap to one side out of the path of the spray discharged from the nozzle.

lVhen the nozzle parts return to normal position the lower end of the stem 21 abuts against one end of a bell crank lever 34, which is disposed in the path of movement of the stem. The lever 34 is centrally pivoted to a bearing block 35, and is connected at its opposite end ,by a link 36 to the outer end of a check valve 37. The valve 37 is hinged at 38 to the bearing block 35, and is adapted to control the drain duct 16. When the nozzle tube 21 returns to normal position and engages one arm of the bell crank 34, the latter is swung in a clockwise direction (Fig. 2) to open the valve 37 and allow pressufe fluid from the duct 13, and other spray units which may be connected to the line 14, to flow into the drain 16, and thence to the sewer main 1?.

For automatically closing the valve 37 upon movement of the nozzle upwardly to spraying position, a coil spring 39 urges the bell crank 34 in a counter clockwise direction so that as soon as the bell crank 34 is released the valve is snappedto closed position. It will be understood that one drain valve may be employed for a series of spray units, so that when the pressure fluid supply is closed, all of the units may drain through a single drain valve.

The above described drain is particularly useful where the spray units are installed on a slope in order to drain the fluid from the spray units rapidly, and prevent the accumulation of liquid in pools. This arrangement also eliminates any liability of liquid draining from the system and forming gullies in lawns, it previously being proposed to drain the fluid through openings in the side of the pipe 12. This latter, however,

is not only objectionable in forming gullies in lawns, but also is not effective in rapidly discharging the liquid from the system where thelatter is installed on the slope.

It is to be understood that numerous changes in details of construction, arrangement and o eration may be efi'ected without departing r rom the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the appended claims.

lVhat is claimed:

1. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid, a drain duct leading from an inner portion of said casing, a valve controlling said drain duct, and means projecting into the path of movement of said nozzle and engageable thereby for opening said valve upon return of said nozzle to normal position.

2. In a sprinkling system. a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply. a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid. a drain duct leading from an inner portion of said casing a pivoted valve controlling said drain duct, means engageable by said nozzle for swinging said valve to one position upon return of said nozzle to normal position, and automatic means for swinging said valve to the other position upon movement of said nozzle from normal position.

3. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a sourceof pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position with in the casing upon admission of pressure fluid, a drain duct leading from an inner portion of said casing, a valve controlling said drain duct, means projecting into the path of movement of said nozzle and engageable thereby for opening said valve upon return of said nozzle to normal position. and automatically operable means for closing said valve upon movement normal position.

4. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply. a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid,

of said nozzle from valve upon return of said nozzle to normal position, and means for closing said valve upon movement of said nozzle from normal position. a

5. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid, a closure member for the outward end of the casing pivotally carried by said nozzle, a flange depending from one side of said closure me1nher for causing the latter to swing to one side of said nozzle by pressure fluid therefrom and upon movement thereof from normal position, a member within said nozzle providing an helical passage for fluid at the outer end thereof, an annular baflie outside of said nozzle for deflecting fluid discharged therefrom, a detachable connection between said baflle and said member, a drain duct leading from an inner portion of said casing, a pivoted valve controlling said duct, an arm connected to said valve having a portion disposed in the path of movement of said nozzle for opening said valve upon return of said nozzle to normal position, and means for closing said valve upon movement of said nozzle from normal position.

6. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal move ments within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid. a closure member for the outward end of the casing pivotally carried by said nozzle, a flange depending from one side of said closure member for causing the latter to swing to one side of said nozzle by pressure fluid therefrom and upon movement thereof from normal position, a drain duct leading from an inner portion of said casing, a pivoted valve controlling said duct, an arm connected to said valve having a portion disposed in the path of movement of said nozzle for opening said valve upon return of said nozzle to normal position, and means for closing said valve upon movement of said nozzle from normal position.

7. In a sprinkling system. a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid, a closure member for the outward end of the casing pivotally carried by said nozzle, a flange depending from one side of said closure member for causing the latter to swing to one side of said nozzle by pressure fluid therefrom and upon movement thereof from normal position, a drain duct leading from said casing at the inner portion thereof, a valve controlling said drain duct, means engageable by said nozzle upon movement of the latter to normal position for opening said valve, and means for closing said valve.

8. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid, a closure member for the outward end of the casing pivotally carried by said nozzle, and a flange depending from one side of said 010- sure member for causing the latter to swing to one side of said nozzle by pressure fluid and upon movement thereof from normal position. Y

9. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source a closure member for the outward end of the casing pivotally carried by said nozzle, a flange depending from one side of said closure member for causing the latter to swing to one side of said nozzle by pressure fluid therefrom and upon movement thereof from normal position, a member within said nozzle providing an helical passage for fluid at the outer end thereof. and an annular baffle outside of said nozzle for deflecting fluid discharged therefrom, and a shank carried by said baflle and detachably connected to said member.

10. In a sprinkling system, a casing having communication at its inner end with a source of pressure fluid supply, a fluid discharge nozzle having limited longitudinal movements within said casing and adapted to be moved outward from normal position within the casing upon admission of pressure fluid, a closure member for the outward end of the casing pivotally carried by said nozzle, and a surface associated with said closure member and disposed adjacent one side thereof adapted to be impinged by pressure fluid when said nozzle is moved outwardly for swinging the closure member to one side out of the path of the spray.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name to this specification JOHN A. BROOKS. 

